Railroad Seeks More Time to Skip Reflectors and Repainting
Published Date: 6/17/2025
Notice
Summary
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend their special permission to skip some rules about painting and adding reflectors on their rail cars. This means they can keep using their rail cars without making those changes for a bit longer. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until July 17, 2025, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Waiver lets railroad keep operating old caboose
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad asked FRA to extend permission to operate caboose NHRR C127, which is more than 50 years old, without meeting certain stenciling (49 CFR 215.303), safety glazing (49 CFR part 223), and reflectorization (49 CFR part 224) requirements. The caboose would be used in heritage excursion service between New Hope and Warminster, Pennsylvania, at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour while FRA considers the extension.
Historic appearance preserved; safety mitigations noted
If FRA extends the waiver, the caboose can keep its historic appearance for passengers on the New Hope–Warminster excursions because it would be exempt from stenciling, glazing, and reflectorization rules. The railroad states it will ensure adequate lighting and operational oversight during any dusk or nighttime use to address risks related to the lack of reflectorization.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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